The Carter Center, the Office of the National Chief Imam of Ghana, and regional civil society organizations participating in the West Africa Human Rights Defenders Forum in Accra, Ghana, released today a declaration to advance human rights for women and girls. The forum, held Dec. 7-9, 2015, brought together more than 40 scholars, activists, and religious leaders to seek ways to combat the abuse and oppression of women and girls, and means of countering interpretations of faith-based teachings that perpetuate inequality and gender-based violence. Learn more »
My most recent MRI brain scan did not reveal any signs of the original cancer spots nor any new ones. Learn more »
On Dec. 7-9, The Carter Center will bring together more than 40 scholars, activists, and religious leaders to seek ways to combat the abuse and oppression of women and girls, and means of countering interpretations of faith-based teachings that perpetuate inequality and gender-based violence. Learn more »
President Carter has received good news from his Winship Cancer Institute doctors. Learn more »
The Carter Center congratulates the people of Myanmar, who have exercised their political rights with pride and enthusiasm. Both on election day and in the preceding months, they participated as voters, observers, political party agents, election officials, and civil society activists. Learn more »
The Carter Center and former U.S. President Jimmy Carter urge the Government of Egypt to dismiss all charges against renowned journalist and human rights defender Hossam Bahgat. "Hossam has devoted his life and work to advancing human rights for all Egyptians," said President Carter. Learn more »
Media are invited to cover the Nov. 12-13, 2015, 31st Annual Rosalynn Carter Symposium on Mental Health Policy. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) resulted in millions more people trying to access mental health and substance use services as one of the 10 essential health benefits included in all covered plans. Learn more »
The Carter Center and former U.S. President Jimmy Carter encourage all governments and stakeholders to take robust and immediate action to ensure women's participation in all efforts to advance peace and security. "Fifteen years after United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 was adopted," said Carter, "women remain largely excluded from the peace tables and corridors of power despite clear evidence that women's participation in peace processes contributes to more comprehensive agreements that lead to sustainable peace. The time for decisive action is now." Learn more »
The Carter Center's election observation mission enters a new phase Wednesday with the arrival of more than 50 short-term observers in advance of the Nov. 8 general election. The delegation will be co-led by former President of Ireland Mary Robinson, former chairman of Nepal's Election Commission Bhojraj Pokharel, and incoming chairman of the Carter Center's Board of Trustees Jason Carter. Learn more »
On Oct. 21, The Carter Center sent a small, high-level political delegation to Guatemala City for Sunday's run-off presidential election. The presence of the delegation did not constitute an electoral observation but was an expression of the international community's high interest in Guatemala's democratic process. Learn more »
The Carter Center today released its latest statement on Myanmar's pre-election activities, making recommendations to help ensure a democratic process in the days to come. Learn more »
The Carter Center closely follows events in Syria and regularly publishes reports about conflict developments on its website. These reports are publicly available and are forwarded to all interested parties, including Syrians across political divides and governments in the west and in the region. Learn more »
On Oct. 21, The Carter Center will send a small, high-level political delegation to Guatemala City ahead of Sunday's runoff presidential election. The delegation will be led by Jorge Castañeda, a former Mexican minister of foreign affairs, and John Maisto, former U.S. ambassador to the Organization of American States — both members of the Friends of the Inter-American Democratic Charter — and by Jennie Lincoln, director of the Center's Americas Program. Learn more »
The Carter Center and former U.S. President Jimmy Carter congratulate the National Dialogue Quartet on the 2015 Nobel Prize for Peace. The peace prize is testament to the Quartet's success in steering Tunisia through deadlock and crisis to the adoption of the constitution and peaceful, credible, democratic elections. Learn more »
The International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) and The Carter Center have entered into a memorandum of understanding to guide a partnership based on the common mission of strengthening the quality of elections and democracy. Learn more »
The Carter Center and former U.S. President Jimmy Carter congratulate the winners of the 2015 Nobel Prize for Medicine, who discovered drugs that have prevented needless suffering for countless millions of people. Learn more »
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and The Carter Center congratulate President Enrique Peña Nieto and the people of Mexico for eliminating onchocerciasis (river blindness) within its borders, as verified recently by the World Health Organization (WHO). Mexico is the world's third nation to receive official verification of elimination of the disease. Learn more »
The Carter Center, PAHO/WHO, and the Mectizan Donation Program of Merck & Co., Inc., known as MSD outside the United States and Canada, are part of a coalition of organizations helping countries in the Americas fight river blindness (onchocerciasis) and are calling for a final push to definitively eliminate transmission of the disabling disease from the Western Hemisphere. Learn more »
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter met with Venezuela President Nicolás Maduro Moros in New York City today to discuss the status of the campaign to eliminate river blindness (onchocerciasis) from the Americas. Learn more »
The Carter Center welcomes the important announcement made by the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) in Havana, on Sept. 23. The major breakthroughs that were reached on the issues of victims, transitional justice, and disarmament, as well as the commitment to an immediate, bilateral cease-fire and to sign a final peace agreement within six months, represent an historic progress to end the country's 51-year war. Learn more »
As The Carter Center marks 10 years as an original endorser of the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation, its Democracy Program has launched a new project aimed at supporting those working to improve the quality of elections in the United States. Learn more »
The Carter Center election observation mission has deployed field teams to observe the electoral campaign, which officially started on Sept. 8. The first week of campaigning, as observed by the Center in three states, was peaceful, and parties report being able to conduct their campaign activities without significant difficulty. Learn more »
The Carter Center Mental Health Program today released "The Carter Center Journalism Resource Guide on Behavioral Health" to journalists, behavioral health and media experts, and guests during the three-day annual meeting of the Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism. Approximately 1 in 5 Americans aged 18 or older experienced a mental illness last year and 20.7 million adults (8.8%) had a substance use disorder. Learn more »
The Carter Center's high-level political delegation to the Sept. 6 general elections in Guatemala found these elections to be distinct, not only in regard to Guatemala's electoral history, but also in the context of the region. Learn more »
After its first contact with electoral authorities and other Guatemalan stakeholders, the Carter Center's high-level political delegation has found an extraordinary climate of peace and civic commitment despite the complex political moment through the country has experienced. In this spirit, we encourage all citizens to vote in peace and with democratic conviction, sure that in this new stage, an election with high voter turnout will fortify Guatemala's transformation. Learn more »
At the invitation of the Guatemalan Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE), The Carter Center will send a small, high-level political delegation to the Sept. 6 general elections in Guatemala. Learn more »
Leaders of The Asia Foundation, The Carter Center, Democracy International, Freedom House, IREX, and World Learning met in Washington today to discuss their enhanced cooperation in programs worldwide to advance democratic elections and political transitions. Learn more »
The Carter Center's Mental Health Program in Liberia, in partnership with the Liberia Ministry of Health, has exceeded its goal of training 150 mental health clinicians by 2015, working largely in primary care clinics and hospitals across all 15 counties to provide much needed care. Learn more »
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter reflected on his life's work during a press conference Aug. 20 in which he revealed that cancer has spread to his brain. Learn more »
At his press conference today to discuss his cancer and treatment, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter mentioned four scheduled cancer treatments. Learn more »
A number of important steps have been taken in the election process since March 2015, according to a Carter Center monitoring mission report released today. Observer accreditation procedures have been finalized, a large number of political parties have announced intentions to compete, and most parties have signed a code of conduct. Learn more »
Recent liver surgery revealed that I have cancer that now is in other parts of my body. I will be rearranging my schedule as necessary so I can undergo treatment by physicians at Emory Healthcare. A more complete public statement will be made when facts are known, possibly next week. Learn more »
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter underwent an elective procedure at Emory University Hospital today to remove a small mass in his liver. His operation proceeded without issues, and the prognosis is excellent for a full recovery. Learn more »
Tunisia's new counterterrorism law imperils human rights and lacks the necessary safeguards against abuse, eight nongovernmental organizations said today. The law grants security forces broad and vague monitoring and surveillance powers, extends incommunicado detention from 6 to up to 15 days for terrorism suspects, and permits courts to close hearings to the public and allow witnesses to remain anonymous to the defendants. Learn more »
The Carter Center announced today the recipients of the 2015-2016 Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism. Selected from a highly competitive and record number of applicants, the 19th annual class of fellows includes six from the United States. Two fellowships also were awarded from Colombia. (See below for a full list of fellows and their project topics.) Learn more »
Applications from U.S. residents are now being accepted for six one-year journalism fellowships with the Carter Center's Mental Health Program. These fellowships aim to enhance public understanding of mental health issues and reduce stigma and discrimination against people with mental illnesses through balanced and accurate reporting. Learn more »
The Carter Center and the World Affairs Council of Atlanta are teaming up to host two events examining the future of Cuba and Latin America. Learn more »
An auction held during this year's annual Carter Center Weekend, which took place June 24-28 in Vail, Colorado, brought in just under $1.8 million, making it the Center's most successful auction to date. Learn more »
The Carter Center urges the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to release the terms of the deal in which state-owned mining company Gécamines lost its interest in the potentially rich Kawama concession. In February 2015, Chabara Sprl, in which Gécamines holds a 30 percent stake, sold the Kawama permit to one of the country's largest companies, Mutanda Mining. The sale was reported in the media only this week. Learn more »
The Carter Center's mining governance program launched a revamped and improved Congo Mines website (www.congomines.org) on June 24 in Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Learn more »
During the Carter Center's fourth annual Mental Health Liberia Program Review held this week in Atlanta, Georgia, former First Lady Rosalynn Carter congratulated former Liberia Minister of Health and Social Welfare Dr. Walter Gwenigale for his many contributions that have helped to increase access to care and services for those living with mental illnesses in Liberia. Learn more »
The Carter Center was informed on June 16 of the decision by the Cherokee Nation Election Commission not to extend an invitation to The Carter Center to observe the upcoming elections. While the Center regrets this news, it respects the commission's decision and will not deploy an observer team for the elections. Learn more »
The Carter Center commends the Supreme Constitutional Court's decision to reject the request from parliamentarians to impeach President Hery Rajaonarimampianina. Learn more »
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and businessman Sir Emeka Offor signed an agreement today for a partnership to eliminate river blindness (onchocerciasis) from seven states in Nigeria where The Carter Center works with the Federal Ministry of Health, including Sir Emeka's native state, Anambra. Learn more »
An original oil painting by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter is among more than 150 items to be auctioned June 27 to benefit the not-for-profit Carter Center. Proceeds will support the Center's work to wage peace, fight disease, and build hope in the world's poorest and most forgotten countries. Learn more »
The Carter Center today released its final preliminary statement on Guyana's May 11 general and regional elections. Learn more »
The Carter Center has released its final report summarizing its findings and highlighting the genuine and competitive nature of the 2014 legislative and presidential elections in Tunisia. The three rounds of elections were the latest steps in a transition to democracy that grew from a spark in December 2010 to the peaceful ouster of the authoritarian Ben Ali regime in January 2011. Learn more »
New research about the needs of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, will be released during the 20th annual Rosalynn Carter Georgia Mental Health Forum on May 15, 2015, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Carter Center in Atlanta. This event is open to the public, but registration is required. Learn more »
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter has urged Guyana's election commission to release election results and called on political leaders to act responsibly. Learn more »
Tunisian legislators should drop problematic provisions from a new security bill, 13 nongovernmental organizations said in a joint statement today. Learn more »
On May 11, Guyanese citizens turned out in large numbers to cast their votes in what is probably the most important election since the watershed elections of 1992. Guyanese voters waited patiently in long lines from early in the morning until into the evening. All across the country, thousands of dedicated poll workers, party agents, and officials of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) served with honesty, integrity, and professionalism. GECOM officials and poll workers are to be commended for these efforts. Learn more »
All forms of sexual exploitation are a violation of fundamental human rights and human dignity. Commercial sexual exploitation is gender-based violence and a public health crisis made possible by unethical and ungrounded male entitlement, which disproportionately affects the most vulnerable among us. Learn more »
President Carter was not feeling well and has departed Guyana to return to Atlanta today. The Carter Center election observation mission in Guyana is continuing its work and will keep him informed of developments. Learn more »
Fear of stigma and discrimination remains one of the biggest factors in preventing people from seeking treatment for mental illnesses. This problem is especially true for older children and young adults struggling with mental health issues who sense additional pressure to "fit in" with their peer group. Learn more »
Guyana's electoral preparations appear to be on track in most of the country, according to early Carter Center observer reports, which also expressed deep concern about divisive campaign rhetoric. Learn more »
Guyana's electoral preparations appear to be on track in most of the country, according to early Carter Center observer reports, which also expressed deep concern about divisive campaign rhetoric. Learn more »
In the wake of the devastating earthquake and ongoing rescue and recovery operations in Nepal, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter calls on the international community to redouble efforts to support Nepal and to develop clear plans for long-term assistance and rebuilding. Learn more »
After two years of deliberation and negotiation, Tunisia adopted its new constitution in January 2014. Today, The Carter Center released its comprehensive report on the constitution and the deliberative process that culminated in its adoption, as well as recommendations for next steps in its implementation. Learn more »
On May 11 and 12, The Carter Center will join with Rotarians Against Child Slavery to convene a summit of advocates, nongovernmental organizations, and senior government officials from nine countries to coordinate action to end the sexual exploitation of women and children. Learn more »
The Carter Center has launched an international election observation mission for Guyana's May 11 elections at the invitation of the government of Guyana. Learn more »
The Carter Center today announced plans for a major forum May 6 and 7 on China's wide-ranging domestic and international reforms and their implications for U.S.-China relations. Learn more »
Jordan Ryan has been named vice president for peace programs at The Carter Center, effective June 1, 2015. Ryan served 24 years with the United Nations in developing countries and post-crisis settings. Most recently, he was assistant administrator of United Nations Development Programme and director of the UNDP Bureau for Crisis Prevention and Recovery, serving at the assistant secretary-general level. Learn more »
Myanmar's Union Election Commission is making efforts to improve the transparency and integrity of the electoral process in advance of the 2015 general elections, according to a Carter Center monitoring mission report released today. However, a number of key challenges need to be addressed in order to ensure that the upcoming elections earn the confidence of voters, political parties, and civil society organizations. Learn more »
International Women's Day this year highlights the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a roadmap for women's rights and equality that was signed by Guatemala and 188 other governments 20 years ago. The declaration underscores the importance of access to information for women in achieving such goals as improved health and economic empowerment through entrepreneurship. Learn more »
The Carter Center's Mental Health Program in Liberia, in partnership with the Liberia Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, congratulates the newest class of 21 clinicians who have joined the effort to continue improving access to mental health services in Liberia. With the addition of these graduates, 144 mental health clinicians are now trained, working largely in primary care clinics and hospitals across all 15 counties to provide much needed care. Learn more »
On March 19, The Carter Presidential Library will debut a new exhibit of photos by acclaimed photographer Jean Mohr called "War from the Victims' Perspective." Learn more »
Consortium Aims to Eliminate Malaria on Hispaniola by 2020 Starting With $29.9 Million Grant to CDC Foundation Learn more »
The Liberian Government and the World Bank Group in partnership with the Government of Japan, today launched a new $3 million project to address the psychological effects of Liberia's Ebola crisis and to promote psychosocial health in the country. The ceremony was held at the World Bank Liberia Office. Learn more »
In the run-up to Lesotho's national elections on Feb. 28, The Carter Center encourages all political parties and leaders to ensure a peaceful electoral process and respect for the democratic process. Learn more »
GUATEMALA CITY — Guatemalan women face deep inequities in exercising their fundamental right of access to information, according to a new study from The Carter Center's Global Access to Information Initiative. Learn more »
ATLANTA — Leading members of the election and human rights communities will come together today at The Carter Center for the first major meeting between the two groups. Co-chaired by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and U.N. Assistant Secretary General Ivan Šimonović, the Human Rights and Election Standards Conference will provide participants an opportunity to reflect on areas of common interest between the two communities. Participants will also discuss potential future cooperation and will advance solutions to technical and political challenges to electoral reform at the national, regional, and international levels. Learn more »
While efforts to ensure transparency in Congo's lucrative mining sector have made some progress in recent years, much more is needed in order to ensure that key information is made available to the public, according to a new report published by three Congolese NGO networks in partnership with the Carter Center. Learn more »
On Feb. 9-10, more than 60 scholars, activists, and religious leaders from 20 countries will participate in The Carter Center's Human Rights Defenders Forum. "Beyond Violence: Women Leading for Peaceful Societies" will focus on advancing the rights of women and girls, including the right to peace. Learn more »
I offer my condolences and prayers to the Saud family on the death of King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia. He was a strong leader with great wisdom and vision for the Royal Kingdom, and I will miss his friendship. Learn more »
ATLANTA...Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and The Carter Center congratulate Ghana on being certified by the World Health Organization this week as having eliminated Guinea worm (Dracunculus medinensis), a water-borne parasitic disease poised to be the second human disease in history to be eradicated. Learn more »
The challenges of eradicating devastating diseases are enormous, but successful strategies can bring about enormous social and economic benefits. Opening at the American Museum of Natural History on January 13, Countdown to Zero: Defeating Disease explores the factors that determine if a disease is eradicable — meaning that it can be wiped out completely — as well as the scientific and social innovations that are ridding the world of ancient afflictions. Learn more »
The Carter Center announced today that 126 Guinea worm cases were reported worldwide in 2014. These provisional numbers, reported by ministries of health in the remaining four endemic nations and compiled by the Center, show that cases of the debilitating disease were reduced by 15 percent in 2014 compared to 148 cases in 2013. When the Center began leading the first international campaign to eradicate a parasitic disease in 1986, there were an estimated 3.5 million Guinea worm cases occurring annually in Africa and Asia. Learn more »
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